History made at U.S. Senior Women's Amateur as China's Xiaolong Zhong wins title

In the 64th edition of the U.S. Senior Women's Amateur championship, a match between two first-time finalists took center stage. French golfer Amandine Vincent, 50, was pitted against China's Xiaolong Zhong, also 50, in an 18-hole final at Portland Golf Club in Portland, Oregon. Zhong had also claimed the medal at this year's tournament. The winner of this match would mark a historic milestone, as neither China nor France had ever produced a winner of this event.

The contest began with Vincent taking an early lead after winning the first two holes. However, Zhong swiftly turned the tide, winning four consecutive holes to reclaim a two-stroke advantage. The momentum continued for Zhong after winning the 10th hole, increasing her lead to three strokes. Yet, Vincent's resilience shone through as she claimed the 11th, 15th, and 16th holes, virtually tying the game once again.

Zhong seized a crucial opportunity when she won the 17th hole, giving her a one-stroke lead heading into the final par 5, the 18th hole. Both competitors managed par on the last hole, sealing Zhong's victory by a single stroke. The French star, Lara Tenant, made waves throughout the tournament, winning five matches, and improved her career record to an impressive 31-6 at the U.S. Senior Women's Amateur.

The top eight finishers of this year's competition, including Zhong, earned spots in the 2027 U.S. Senior Women's Amateur, set to take place at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Assistant Managing Editor at Golfweek, Todd Kelly, reported that this historic moment was summarized on Golfweek.